No exodus, says boss Mowbray

TONY MOWBRAY today quelled supporters' fears of a mass player exodus from Easter Road, insisting that the actions of his charges will speak louder than the words of any newspaper.

With reports stating that a 4million offer from the Belgian club Anderlecht could see Hibs shorn of Derek Riordan, Garry O'Connor, Kevin Thomson and Scott Brown come January, Mowbray has reacted to reassure any fans who find themselves enveloped by panic.

Riordan apart, all of the players in question are contracted to Easter Road until 2008 or beyond, a significant factor that Mowbray believes will determine where they play out their immediate future.

"I speak to these players every day and I don't think they have any intention of leaving Hibernian," said Mowbray.

"These players have all just signed new deals. We have dealt with speculation in all of my time here, whether it be Derek, Garry or whoever. The media spent all last season trying to sell Derek and Garry but I think the players can see that this club is moving in the right direction. They are enjoying their football.

"Derek is slightly different because of his contractual situation. Our best option would be to get that resolved but it doesn't seem to be the case. If we do receive any bids for Derek then we would have to listen to them but regarding the other three, we don't feel a move would be in their best interests.

"People can come and bid what they want for our players. They'll know and I'll know when the time is right to move on. At this moment in time we have agreed it's not the right time for them and that's why new deals have been signed, again with the exception of Derek."

Anderlecht scout Albert Mertens took in Hibs' 2-1 victory over Rangers on Sunday. It is not the first time this season that Mertens or one of his colleagues from the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium has ventured to Leith for the purpose of checking on Hibs.

However, Mowbray reaffirmed that the Belgians have yet to ring his telephone to open discussions. "I haven't had any contact from Anderlecht, formal or informal. They have been here several times recently but I don't think our players are going to jump at the first club who comes along and offers them a few quid more.

"If they outgrow our structure in the future then that's something we have to be prepared for. Hopefully the club, the players, their advisors, everybody will make the right decisions if and when that time comes. I believe that O'Connor, Brown and Thomson all believe they are at the right place at this moment in their careers."

Mowbray picked up another manager-of-the-year award in Glasgow at the weekend at BBC Scotland's "Off the Ball" St Andrew's Day awards dinner.

Steven Whittaker was named as the young player of the year, whilst Ivan Sproule was handed the award for the best individual performance of the year for his hat-trick against Rangers at Ibrox.

Hibs supporters can listen to the awards show when it is broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland tomorrow evening at 6.10pm.